Laser-Recessed Device Marking for Durable Coated Surfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional marking techniques on electronic devices, such as ink or paint, suffer from wear and lack durability, failing to provide a distinctive and long-lasting visual appearance.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a laser to form recessed marking features through a multilayer coating on electronic devices, creating geometric, color, or texture features that extend partially or fully through the coating, providing visual contrast and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional ink or paint marking techniques are used, then the marking process is simple and inexpensive, but the marking durability and resistance to wear are poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemarking durabilityVSAvoidmarking process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical marking methods (ink application, painting) with laser-based marking technology. The laser system uses optical energy to ablate, melt, or modify the coating material directly, eliminating the need for mechanical ink application and providing permanent, durable markings that are resistant to wear and environmental factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes controlled changes in laser parameters (power, pulse duration, scanning speed, wavelength) to achieve different marking effects on the coating. By adjusting these parameters, the laser can selectively remove or modify the coating material to create durable markings with varying depths, colors, and patterns, thereby improving marking reliability while maintaining manufacturing flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If laser marking is used to create recessed features through the coating, then marking durability and visual distinctiveness are improved, but the risk of damaging the substrate increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemarking longevityVSAvoidsubstrate damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies laser marking with high spatial precision, confining the thermal and mechanical effects to only the specific areas where markings are needed. The laser system selectively removes or modifies the coating material in targeted zones while leaving the surrounding coating and underlying substrate intact, thereby achieving durable markings without causing unnecessary substrate damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs controlled laser parameters to achieve partial penetration through the coating rather than complete removal. By carefully adjusting the laser energy input, the process creates recessed marking features that extend through the coating to a controlled depth, providing durability and visual contrast while stopping before significantly damaging the substrate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Illumination intensity

If the laser removes more coating material to create deeper recesses, then visual contrast and marking distinctiveness improve, but the amount of coating removed and potential damage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual contrastVSAvoidcoating material removal

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses controlled laser parameters to achieve partial penetration through the coating rather than complete removal. By carefully adjusting the laser energy input, the process creates recessed marking features that extend through the coating to a controlled depth, providing durability and visual contrast while stopping before significantly damaging the substrate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The laser-formed recessed marking features enhance the durability and visual appeal of electronic devices by minimizing damage to the coating and substrate, offering a long-lasting, visually distinct appearance.

Implementation Method 1

removing, using a first laser, a portion of a multilayer coating to form a recess through the multilayer coating and expose a metal portion of a substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 2

modifying the metal portion, using a second laser, to create a recessed marking feature of the relief feature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser heating: Laser

Data Source

PatentUS11772402B2Controlled ablation and surface modification for marking an electronic device

Publication Date: 2023.10.03 APPLE INC

AI summary

An article having a laser-formed marking is disclosed. The article includes a coating defining an exterior surface of the article and the marking extends through the coating. The marking comprises a recessed marking feature which provides a color or other visual attribute to the marking.